About Lampeter

Lampeter is an anglicised form of “Llanbedr” (the church of Peter). The town itself probably originated from around Norman times. In 1137 Owain Lawgoch, Prince of Gwynedd, invaded Ceredigion and destroyed Lampeter’s motte and bailey castle. In 1188 Gerald the Welshman and Archbishop Baldwin (the Archbishop of Canterbury) preached at Lampeter in order to persuade men to fight in the Second Crusade.

By the seventeenth century the Christian faith was at a low ebb, but in the following century came the Great Revival, led in Wales by Howell Harris, Daniel Rowland (based at Llangeitho, only 8 miles from Lampeter) and William Williams. Howell Harris visited here many times and mentions that he “preached to vast crowds on the street in Lampeter”.

The population today is about 2,500 (in 1728 it was estimated that 300 people lived here). Lampeter has always retained its Welsh character, even from the beginning (in 1302-03 the names of its 21 burgesses only included two who were not of Welsh origin). The Welsh language and its culture continue to play a vital part in the social and economic fabric of the town.In 1822 a new dimension was added to the life of the town with the founding of St. David’s College (now the University of Lampeter) which, apart from Oxford and Cambridge, is the oldest university institution in England and Wales. It continues to contribute vibrantly to the town.

Lampeter Evangelical Church (LEC) was established in 1981, and at the beginning was associated with Tŷ Brasil, a missionary centre in Pumsaint (about 10 miles from Lampeter). From those beginnings, in spite of a number of changes, it has grown substantially, and our prayer is that God will continue to bless us as a congregation. Our Sunday meetings are held at Victoria Hall, Lampeter.

Yr Hedyn Mwstard, namely Lampeter Christian Centre, was opened by a group of Christians in College Street some few years ago. Apart from the coffee shop, the Christian Book Stall and local crafts, and the meeting room, a few Christian students are accommodated upstairs.

Within driving distance from Lampeter we have many attractions, such as Middleton – The National Botanic Gardens of Wales, Llanerchaeron, Gwili Pottery, Aberaeron Craft Centre, Aberglasney Gardens, Strata Florida Abbey, Talley Abbey, Dolaucothi Goldmines, Carreg Cennen Castle etc. Leaflets are available in the coffee shop should you like more information on the various attractions to be found in the area.